Odor prediction of whiskies based on their molecular composition.

Aroma compositions are usually complex mixtures of odor-active compounds exhibiting diverse molecular structures. Due to chemical interactions of these compounds in the olfactory system, assessing or even predicting the olfactory quality of such mixtures is a difficult task, not only for statistical models, but even for trained assessors. Here, we combine fast automated analytical assessment tools with human sensory data of 11 experienced panelists and machine learning algorithms.

Conching of dark chocolate - Processing impacts on aroma-active volatiles and viscosity of plastic masses.

The conching process plays a key role in determining the sensory and rheological properties of dark chocolate. To further understand this process, changes in the chocolate mass during plastic conching were investigated on a time-resolved basis with varying conching temperature, shear direction, and with or without the presence of residue from previous trials (pre-charge) on the conche vessel wall. Six selected odorants (acetic acid, benzaldehyde, linalool, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, 2-phenylethanol, 2-phenylethyl acetate) were quantified in fat and particle phases of chocolate masses.

Quick insights into whisky - investigating rapid and efficient methods for sensory evaluation and chemical analysis.

The evaluation of aroma properties of beverages, both analytically as well as with human sensory studies, is a challenging task and most often related to time- and cost-intensive analyses. Whisky is a spirit offering a wide variety of aroma impressions caused by a complex mixture of aroma active compounds. In the present study, methods for the efficient evaluation of aroma characteristics are evaluated for 16 whisky samples of different origins (Scotch and American).

Sampling Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Consumer Products: A Review.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common constituents of many consumer products. Although many VOCs are generally considered harmless at low concentrations, some compound classes represent substances of concern in relation to human (inhalation) exposure and can elicit adverse health effects, especially when concentrations build up, such as in indoor settings. Determining VOC emissions from consumer products, such as toys, utensils or decorative articles, is of utmost importance to enable the assessment of inhalation exposure under real-world scenarios with respect to consumer safety.

Short-, long-, and very long-term results of secondary anterior sphincteroplasty in 20 patients with obstetric injury.

Purpose: More long-term follow-up studies beyond 10 years after secondary sphincteroplasty for obstetric damage are warranted. This prospective study aimed to compare reported data on incontinence and satisfaction in a cohort of such patients examined at short-, long-, and very long-term follow-up.

Methods: Twenty out of 33 obstetric patients (61%) operated with secondary anterior overlapping sphincteroplasty during February 1996 to April 2004 were evaluated preoperatively and at short-, long-, and very long-term follow-up.